Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho wasn’t in his recent best as his club Leicester City were deservedly beaten by Manchester City at the King Power Stadium.
Iheanacho, who returned to Leicester on Wednesday from International duties with the Nigeria National Team lasted just 72 minutes before been replaced by the returning James Maddison.
Leicester were second best throughout against the Premier League leaders, but did keep them out until the hour mark, when Benjamin Mendy made the breakthrough.
Gabriel Jesus added a second and Man City did not allow Brendan Rodgers’ side any routes back into the game.
Leicester had the chance to move 10 points clear of fifth with a victory, but were on the back foot throughout, only once threatening in the first half, when Jamie Vardy rounded Ederson for an offside goal.
They defended stoutly, with Fernandinho’s offside goal, Kevin De Bruyne’s free-kick against the bar, and Riyad Mahrez’s tame shot the only chances.
In the second period, Leicester looked a greater threat on the break, but just as they were building their confidence, left-back Mendy tucked a shot into the bottom corner.
From there, Man City reasserted their control. For Leicester, they will now hope that West Ham and Spurs fall to defeat so the gap to fifth remains at seven points.
City are 17 points clear of second-placed Manchester United, who host Brighton on Sunday, after moving onto 74 points with seven games remaining.
Pep Guardiola’s side need 11 points to wrap up the title.
They now turn their attention back to the Champions League and the visit of Borussia Dortmund to the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.
